What is the Bechdel Test?
The Bechdel Test is a measure of gender bias in films, books, and other media. It was developed by cartoonist Alison Bechdel in her comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For in 1985 and has been widely used as an indicator of gender bias, or lack thereof, in various media since then.
To pass the Bechdel Test, a film must have at least two (named) female characters who talk to each other about something other than men.
The Origin of the Bechdel Test
The Bechdel Test was first introduced in Alison Bechdel’s comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For in 1985. In the comic, two female characters discuss the criteria for a movie to be worth watching. They decide that for a movie to be worth watching, it must have at least two female characters who talk to each other about something other than men.
How the Bechdel Test is Used
The Bechdel Test is used to measure gender bias in films, books, and other media. It is often used as a way to assess the representation of women in media and to identify films and other media that may be perpetuating gender stereotypes.
The Bechdel Test is not a perfect measure of gender bias, as it does not take into account other aspects of representation such as race, sexuality, or class. However, it is a useful tool for identifying films and other media that may be perpetuating gender stereotypes.
The Impact of the Bechdel Test
Since its introduction in 1985, the Bechdel Test has had a significant impact on the way films and other media are made and consumed. It has encouraged filmmakers to be more conscious of the representation of women in their films and has helped to raise awareness of gender bias in media.
The Bechdel Test has also been used to create lists of films that pass the test, such as the Bechdel Test Movie List, which is a comprehensive list of films that pass the Bechdel Test.
Conclusion
The Bechdel Test is a measure of gender bias in films, books, and other media. It was developed by cartoonist Alison Bechdel in her comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For in 1985 and has been widely used as an indicator of gender bias, or lack thereof, in various media since then. To pass the Bechdel Test, a film must have at least two (named) female characters who talk to each other about something other than men. The Bechdel Test has had a significant impact on the way films and other media are made and consumed, and has helped to raise awareness of gender bias in media.
